Personal Safety
August 13, 2018Numbers!
August 27, 2018Good Morning Team!
Here’s hoping you all are “up and at em” and raring to go this morning. We had a nice rain in Wichita on Sunday morning which might cause some more mowing to be needed but with temperatures around here at 68 degrees this morning, feels like Fall can’t be far away. Last week I brought up the subject of personal safety and wanted to expand on it a little more and talk about dealing with violence in the form of an active shooter. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) – whose website I gathered most of the following information from – defines an active shooter as “an individual actively engaged in killing or attempting to kill people in a confined and populated area.” Gun violence can happen anywhere and at any time and the incidences seem to be on the rise. Active shooters may be current or former workers, family or friends of co-workers, or complete strangers. While it’s almost impossible to know what others might have in their heart or are planning, certain characteristics have been noted in those individuals involved in past shooting incidents. Report any of the following observations, even if they are simply a “gut” feeling, to your supervisor, other management, or to human resources.
- Increased use of alcohol, drugs, and absenteeism.
- Decreased hygiene and appearance.
- Depression and/or social withdrawal.
- Disregard for work quality or company policy.
- Mood swings and overly emotional responses.
- Paranoid, suicidal, or doomsday behavior or discussions.
- Increased discussion of violent incidents and weapons/firearms.
Most shooting incidents are over in 10-15 minutes and it’s what you do immediately after becoming aware of one that helps you to have a chance at survival. There are three options when faced with an active shooter. They are Run, Hide or Fight. Each option carries risk and you will have to decide very quickly what to do, but thinking about what to do before you are faced with one can give you an edge and help you to survive. The DHS offers the following:
RUN. This is generally considered the best option if there is an escape path, always attempt to evacuate the premises or area. Be sure to:
- Have an escape route and evacuation plan in mind by knowing where at least two exits are.
- Evacuate regardless of whether others agree to follow or not.
- Leave all belongings behind. Don’t stop or go back to pick items up.
- Help others escape if possible, but don’t endanger your own life.
- Prevent individuals from entering any areas where the active shooter might be.
- Do not attempt to move wounded people.
- Call 911 when you are safe.
- Follow the instructions of police officers.
HIDE. If evacuation is not possible, find a place to hide where the shooter is less likely to find you. Your hiding place should:
- Be out of the active shooter’s view if possible. Even lying motionless on the floor if the shooter is within site can be better than drawing their attention by running.
- Provide protection if shots are fired in your direction. Hiding behind heavy furniture or a solid core door will offer some protection.
- Not trap or restrict your options for movement. Try not to get boxed in should the shooter enter your area.
To prevent an active shooter from entering your hiding space:
- Close the door and lock it.
- Blockade the door with heavy furniture.
If the active shooter is nearby:
- Silence your cell phone and/or pager.
- Turn off any source of noise such as radios or televisions.
- Hide behind large items.
- Dial 911, but speak only if safe to do so. Leave the line open and let the dispatcher listen.
- Remain calm and try not to draw attention to yourself.
FIGHT. As a last resort, and only if your life is in eminent danger, attempt to disrupt and/or incapacitate the active shooter by:
- Throwing items and improvising weapons. Heavy books, chairs, fire extinguishers, paperweights, coffee mugs or potted plants can all be potential weapons.
- Distracting the shooter even for a moment might give another the chance they were looking for to defend themselves.
- Committing to your actions. Whatever action you take in defending yourself, be extreme in it. You are in the fight of your life and you need to act like it. Act as aggressively as you can toward him/her. If you are in a position to assist another person grappling with the shooter do what you can to help them. Even the biggest, strongest, most heavily armed individuals can do little against multiple people doing all they can to subdue them.
- Stopping or meeting the threat with your own firearm is another possibility. But be very aware that any arriving police officers will have no idea who is who. You are at great risk of being shot by them if holding a firearm. Always keep your hands visible, listen to and follow all their instructions. Do not attempt to talk them into accepting that you are on their side. Remember that they are there to stop the immediate threat and they could, in the heat of the moment, decide that threat is you.
I hope you are never faced with an active shooter situation, but thinking about what you might do if it should happen is the best way to survive one. As with all things, remaining safe in almost all situations is to be aware of possibilities and any having an idea what to do when involved in one. For more information, response planning guides, and training resources, go to the Department of Homeland Security website on Active Shooter Preparedness.
Have a truly great week.
Sincerely,
Raymond Moore
Director of Facility Services